Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE OF NASA & NASYA – A CRITICAL REVIEW

Dr. Mahammed Khasim* and Dr. Vinod Jadhav

ABSTRACT

As the subject of Shalakya Tantra is scattered all over the texts of Ayurveda, sometime it is very difficult to concise all the matter related to concerned topic, same is true for Nasa and Nasya. Nasa is a sensory organ as well as an important route of drug administration called as Shirsodvara (Gateway to head). This paper deals with importance of Nasa as well as Nasya along with historical background, its anatomical aspect, physiological aspect, diseases related to Nasa with their generalized treatment, Nasya and its scientific explanation. Nasa is developed during the third month of Garbhavastha (Pregnancy). Two nostrils are among the main nine external orifices. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned the disease related to nose are 31 in number. Nasya karma is the best treatment for the Shirogata Roga and specially Nasagata Roga according to all scholars of Ayurveda and ancient literature. As stated by Sushruta (Su. Chi. 40/21,29) medicines or medicated oils administered through the nose is known as Nasya. The drug thus administered reaches Shringataka (a Sira Marma by Nasa Shrotra) and spreads in the murdha (brain) reaching the Marma of Netra (eye), Shrotra (ear), Kantha (throat), Shiramukha (opening of the vessels, etc.). It then by virtue of its potency scratches the morbid Dosha in Supraclavicular region and expels them from Uttamanga (As.San.29/2). When provocation of Dosha takes place in Shira due to irritating effect of administered drug resulting in increase of the blood circulation to the brain, extra accumulated morbid Dosha are expelled out from small blood vessels. Ultimately these morbid Dosha are thrown out as nasal discharge, tear & salivation.

Keywords: Anupashaya, Ghranindriya, Nasa, Nasya, Upashaya.